Reddick: Eatonville Must Remember Progress Made

EATONVILLE — State Rep. Alzo Reddick praised Eatonville on its 98th birthday Sunday, saying the nation's oldest black incorporated town stands as a symbol of what blacks can accomplish.

Reddick, D-Orlando, made his remarks to about 150 people at the Wymore Career Education Center Sunday during the third day of a three-day founders' celebration.

Noting the racial strife in South Africa, Reddick asked residents not to forget how far their community had progressed.

''Just think how difficult it would be if we had to start off where South Africa is today,'' he said.

Intelligence and integrity, he said, are not related to skin color. ''It takes the town of Eatonville to reinforce that.''

Reddick said residents must continue to strive for excellence and pass that determination to their children.

''We've got to tell them to tinker on those computers just like we do on those pianos.''

Eatonville was founded Aug. 18, 1887, when 27 black men who had bought land in the area voted unanimously to incorporate their settlement.

''I would imagine that if they could see us today, they would say, 'See what we started. That's why you're here today,' '' said town council member Leroy Filmore. ''We stand highest on the totem pole, being the first.''

Eatonville, located between Maitland and Winter Park, has a population of 2,500.

Founders' Day is an annual event. This year's festivities began Friday with a mayor's reception and continued Saturday with a fish fry and games at Wymore. Sunday's ceremonies included several singing performances.

Mayor Abraham Gordon told the gathering that they should keep looking ahead and join efforts to keep improving the community.

''We are doing a countdown to the centennial and we can't stop here.''